Home > Nevada > Nelson Hills

Nelson Hills

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Keyhole Canyon, Western Road, Mt. Duncan, Huse Spring, Copper Canyon, Knob Hill, Oak Creek Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Techatticup Wash, Desert Queen Well, Mojave Desert

Last Known Status

Open

This OHV area offers plenty of steep and challenging hill climbs, endless ATV trails, some dry river washes, twisting rock formations and small canyons. Beautiful desert scenery and interesting desert vegetation surround this area, but respect the area near the main entrance, as the first 3/4 mile of the access road is surrounded by limited use and private land. Overall, this is a fun place to check out and explore, but there are no services. Bring your own shade and water.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	NVOHV sticker required
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Yes	Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days.
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	No Restriction
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted
ATVs	Permitted
UTV & SXS	Permitted
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
Camping	Some Areas
Campfires	Some Areas
Night Riding	Yes	Not Recommended
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	keep vehicle on trail
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic	Armed OfficersJeep/SUV Patrol ranger often hangs out on hilltop near entrance

TERRAIN

Approx Size	44,800 acres (70 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	50
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	2775 to 4500 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained
Loose Dirt	None
Hard Pack	Little
Sand	Some
Mud	None
Dust	Some
Rocks	Mostly
Trees	None
Steep Hills	Some
Water Crossings	None
Small Jumps	Few
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Few
Roads	Few
Intersections	Some
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	None
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked) Beware of cliffs.
Novice	Some
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Some

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	BLM, Power Lines

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (NE)	Rebel Oil (702) 293-7173
Diesel	5-20 Miles (NE)	Rebel Oil (702) 293-7173
Water	5-20 Miles (NE)	Canyon Trail RV Park (702) 293-1200
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (NE)	Canyon Trail RV Park (702) 293-1200
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (NE)	Canyon Trail RV Park (702) 293-1200
Campground	5-20 Miles (NE)	Boulder Beach Campground (702) 293-2540
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (NE)	Rebel Oil (702) 293-7173

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Pros	secluded, free, cool hill climbs, tricky little sections, large area, endless trails
Cons	dry, hot, no shade, no services
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day winter/cooler months
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Boulder City, NV

Trail Map

From: Las Vegas, NV
1) Take I-93 east toward Boulder City
2) Take exit for I-95 south, continue approx. 10 miles
3) Turn left (east) on Hwy. 165 and continue approx. 3.6 miles
4) Turn right (south) on a powerline lined dirt road*
5) There will be a gate, which may be closed but is not locked, go through gate and proceed approx. 1 1/4 mile
6) Main staging area will be on the left, stage anywhere in this large open area.

*Note: After you pass gate, the first 3/4 mile consists of limited use and private land, and is labeled as such. Be sure to pass all the way through this area to reach the main staging area.